I was on the ground at the Romulus City Hall rally on Feb. 23, 2026, where hundreds gathered ahead of the city council meeting to oppose the plan, which would convert a warehouse into a federal immigration detention site. Lawmakers, faith leaders and residents addressed the crowd throughout the evening.
Reporting by Lauren Gibbons / Bridge Michigan looks at how local and state officials are exploring legal options and voicing concerns about the proposed ICE detention facility in Romulus, including questions about what authority Michigan communities have to challenge or block the project.
As the rally progressed, tensions escalated when a counterprotester arrived expressing support for the facility. In slides ten and eleven, officers are seen assisting the counterprotester away from the crowd after he was on the ground and told police he could not move his legs.
On November 7, 2025, I documented Shanica League inside her Garden City, MI home while working on a story examining a lawsuit filed after her father, Morris Lee Wilson, died at 70 in 2023 following complications from infected bed sores developed while living in a nursing facility, according to the family’s legal claim.
League shared memories of her father and spoke about the challenges families face when trying to ensure loved ones receive proper long-term care. She said she hopes telling his story encourages people to stay closely involved and informed when relatives enter care facilities.
This project was documented for Bridge Michigan as part of a story by Robin Erb. I’m grateful to have collaborated on this story.
On November 3, 2025, I documented daily life inside a group home in Washington Township, MI, as part of reporting on how uncertainty surrounding SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits was affecting Michiganders at the time.
The home supports six adults with disabilities who rely on structured care, medically tailored meals, and consistent routines. Staff described how rising food costs, specialized dietary needs, and potential policy changes were creating concern about how far food assistance funding would stretch.
Caregivers said SNAP helps offset grocery costs but often works alongside other funding sources to meet residents’ needs. The home has been operated by the same caregivers for more than two decades, reflecting the long-term stability many residents depend on.
Story for Bridge Michigan by Robin Erb, big thanks to her for the thoughtful reporting and collaboration on this project.
On January 30, hundreds gathered in Detroit as part of a coordinated day of protests and strikes held in cities across the United States. Participants called for justice for people killed by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement during January, while also urging economic pressure through work stoppages and business closures, according to organizers.
Organizers said more than 75 businesses across the Detroit area closed in solidarity for the day. The crowd included workers, students, retirees, and community members. Mike S., a retired teacher in attendance, said that if tensions continue to escalate, he’s watching closely to see where the situation may lead.
Non-emergency 911 calls from long-term care facilities have become a growing part of Michigan fire departments’ workload, often involving lift assists or minor medical issues that still require an ambulance and a full crew response.
In Westland, firefighters described days where EMS calls run back-to-back, leaving little downtime between runs. “Sometimes we’re eating lunch at 3 and dinner at 9,” said Battalion Chief Joseph Gruber. Capt. Andrew Proctor called the trend a “burden on the system,” noting call volume has climbed from around 10,000 to 16,000 runs in roughly a decade.
Some Michigan cities are considering fees for facilities that rely on 911 for routine care, while others warn that doing so could discourage calls that should still be made.
These photos were taken on October 17, 2025, during a reporting visit to Westland Fire & Rescue for a Bridge Michigan story examining the rise in non-emergency 911 calls.
Reporting by Robin Erb
For @bridge.michigan
Behind the lens with Brayan Gutierrez (@visuals.brayan ) as he brings Hallmark Detroit vibes to life.
We talked about his approach to filming cozy lifestyle content, the gear he trusts, and tips for shooting respectfully in public spaces — all while grabbing a drink at @easypeasydetroit on Woodward.
This behind-the-scenes look is part of the paid project provided by @detroitfinds313 and facilitated by DUHTROIT to support Detroit creatives with real opportunities.
🍂 Downtown shops
🎞️ Cinematic storytelling
📍 Detroit Finds 313
💛 Captured with intention
#DUHTROIT #DetroitCreatives #DetroitFilmmakers #VideographerDetroit #DetroitStorytelling #DetroitFinds #BehindTheScenes #FilmTips #HallmarkDetroitVibes
We’re proud to introduce @visuals.brayan , the selected videographer from our recent Hallmark Vibes Open Call — a paid creative opportunity provided and paid for by @detroitfinds313 , and facilitated by DUHTROIT to connect Detroit creators with meaningful work.
Filming wrapped on Sunday across five cozy shops along Woodward Ave, and Brayan is now working on the final edit — bringing to life the warm, cinematic storytelling that reflects the heart of Detroit Finds 313. We’re excited to see what he creates, and the finished work will soon be available online through Detroit Finds 313.
This project celebrates everyday charm, small moments, and Detroit’s unique ability to feel familiar, inviting, and full of character. 🍂🌤️
💛 Detroit creatives. Detroit stories. Paid opportunities. Facilitated by DUHTROIT.
#DUHTROIT #DetroitCreatives #HallmarkDetroitVibes #VideographerDetroit #DetroitStorytelling #DetroitTalent #DetroitInfluencer #DetroitArts #SupportLocalCreatives
Detroit kicked off the holidays in a big way!! Over 100,000 people came together in downtown for this year’s tree lighting celebration ✨🌃
Always grateful to document moments like this for the city.
Captured the celebration for @visitdetroit
#Detroit #DetroitEvents #DetroitPhotography #TreeLighting #HolidaySeason #DetroitLife #MichiganPhotography #VisualStorytelling
On October 29, 2025, I photographed at the Elmwood Blessing Box in Westland, Michigan, where residents pick up groceries without showing ID or proof of income, only their initials, ZIP code, and household size.
The pantry was founded in 2023 by Elizabeth Freeman (pictured above, Slide 3, and Slides 5–6) and her husband, who started it from their front yard to make food access simple and judgement-free. “I wanted to make it easy for people to get food,” Freeman said. “Food is a basic human need.”
Volunteers at the pantry say attendance has doubled in recent days as federal SNAP benefits were delayed.
For @bridge.michigan
#Photojournalism #Michigan #CommunityStories #SNAP #Detroit #VisualStorytelling
Indigenous Peoples’ Day, Detroit.
The event returned to downtown Detroit on October 13, 2025, for the first time in more than 30 years.
Documented for @visitdetroit
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#IndigenousPeoplesDay #Detroit #DetroitStories #DocumentaryPhotography #Photojournalism #VisualStorytelling #EverydayDetroit #DetroitPhotographer #HumanStories
Vice President and presidential nominee @kamalaharris , Detroit Mayor @michaeleduggan , and Detroit-born singer @lizzobeeating at an early vote event at Western International High School in Southwest Detroit on October 19th, 2024.
Story by Isabelle Tavares @miss_____moss Photos by @visuals.brayan for @planetdetroitnews
#photography #journalism #photojournalism #election #politics #detroitphotographer
Republican presidential nominee Donald J. Trump answered crowd questions at a roundtable event in Auburn Hills on Friday, October 18, 2024.
#photojournalism #detroit #michigan #trump #election2024 #politics #roundtable #campaigntrail #journalism #republican
